Phase 3 Training

Phase 3 Training operates out of West Hempstead and has built a reputation for making firearms training accessible—whether you're terrified of guns or looking to sharpen existing skills. The difference shows in their approach: they don't push the "one right way" to shoot. Instead, instructors work with your body, experience level, and comfort zone to find what works for you.

Their whole training model rests on a simple idea. If you're uncomfortable doing something, you won't practice it after the course ends. So Phase 3 structures everything around building:

1. Knowledge — Understanding how firearms work, safety fundamentals, New York law 2. Skills — Hands-on shooting technique tailored to your needs 3. Confidence — Walking out knowing you can handle a gun safely

"If you are not comfortable doing something are you going to practice after you leave the course? Absolutely not!" This mentality separates Phase 3 from typical schools that claim one method is best.

Pistol Training - NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting - NRA Pistol Marksman Simulator Training - Defensive Pistol 1 & 2 - Concealed Carry (Utah/Florida) - New York State 18 Hour CCF License Safety Course - Basic Force On Force – Pistol CQB

Rifle Courses - NRA Basic Rifle - Defensive Rifle 1 & 2 - The AR-15 (dedicated course)

Shotgun Training - NRA Basic Shotgun - Defensive Shotgun 1 & 2

Specialized Training - Gun Cleaning and Maintenance 101 - Introduction to Metallic Cartridge Reloading - Advanced Reloading for Rifle - Reloading for Pistol in More Depth - Casting Lead Projectiles for All Firearms - Introduction to Black Powder Shooting - 6 Hour Defensive Driving - Shooting Gallery & Steel Carnival (special events)

Small Class Sizes Matter. Instructors work side-by-side with students during range sessions. You get individual attention with your own firearm, not herded through a large group.

Hands-On Equipment. The school provides access to multiple rifle types so you can try different platforms before committing to a purchase. Students consistently mention how valuable this is for first-time buyers.

Low-Pressure Teaching. Instructors like Mike Pigno have earned testimonials from beginners and experienced shooters alike because they don't create intimidation—they create confidence.

Students consistently report that Phase 3 delivered more than expected. Common themes in testimonials:

• •Parents comfortable sending kids to train
• •Complete beginners feeling confident after one course
• •Experienced shooters learning new fundamentals
• •Instructors who are genuinely knowledgeable (not just certified)
• •Small enough classes that no one gets left behind

One parent wrote: "My son walked out of there with confidence and knowing how to respect and use a firearm." Another noted they'd been afraid of guns but left "relaxed and confident" after a 2-day rifle course.

Mike Pigno runs the operation and has clearly built a team that shares his philosophy. Student feedback mentions his passion as a gunsmith, his patience with nervous shooters, and his ability to teach both safety and skill in equal measure. Other instructors—Anthony, Tony, and Cindy—are mentioned by name in testimonials, suggesting a tight, experienced crew.

Phase 3 is BBB Accredited and teaches multiple NRA-certified courses, which means curriculum is standardized but instruction remains personalized.

BBB Accredited | NRA-Certified Courses | Long Island's Training Alternative